SXDNS: We have to start this interview mentioning that despite the fact we have been friends for quite some time now, it is a great privilege to have the opportunity of getting more familiar with your work and your career. And I am very sorry for kicking off asking you something so trivial: How did everything start? (we are talking about the universe here, what are your thoughts about the creation of the universe and all its impressive magnitude. Just kidding, of course, I just want to know what made you decide to become an artist).

BS: haha well, I do think the universe had something to say about it because it happened, but it was clearly not something I had ever considered, the “becoming an artist” thing…

It all started in 2015, I was 25 years old and had just graduated from business school. Although I had already been to a lot of festivals and clubs in Europe, collected records, and had a well-filled SoundCloud library, at that time I was on the look for my first job. But things did not go as planned and it took me 9 months to find it. After the second month, a hundred of applications, and the beginning of a depression, I decided to buy my first turntables. Something I had NEVER thought of doing before, even though I was already fascinated by DJs, but at this point I needed something to make me feel good in my life.

I started mixing every afternoon from there, and after a very short time I participated in a mix contest with a gig as the award. It turned out very surprisingly that I won, and I got my first gig in a bar. I remember it as quite catastrophic, but that
moment, the engine was launched! I finally left my job in 2019 to do music full time and it’s the best decision I took so far!

SXDNS: When it comes to your influences, who are the human beings who had the most impact in your life and sonority?

BS: I was lucky enough to grow up in an environment where there was always music in the house. My father is a guitarist, blues & rock fan, so he introduced me to all of his classics, which have clearly had a big influence on my musical choices. Every month we would go to the record store, and I was allowed to choose 2 records. That allowed me to build up a good collection and musical culture.

Regarding electronic music, it was the discovery of Miss Kittin’ and The Hacker during a concert where I was not supposed to be. I remember that I had driven an hour at the very last minute to join my friends at this concert in Grenoble, and I had no idea who I was going to see. Yet, it was going to be one of the most important concerts of my life! When the universe strikes again… You can probably feel the connection with my productions now, particularly the attachment that I put to the vocals.

SXDNS: Being brutally honest: I think your work as a producer is amid the best in the game. Even being so young, you have already developed a sonority of your own, resulting in not only creative but also bold tracks. What’s your process? And do you have a favourite work (of yours)? The one that when you finished you thought, “Oh yeah, baby, that’s it! Mama did this!”

BS: First of all, thank you very much for the words, it means a lot to me!

I don’t know if I really have a process, but I try to make music as often as possible. I’ve really stepped up my game in the last year and I can really see the difference, I’m practically making music every day, and I can see the progress I’ve made, in terms of technique, and refining my tastes too. I’m also able to produce more music than before. Choosing this career means making choices on a professional and personal level, which are not always easy, but I believe that being fully dedicated to it is the only way to make it.

I don’t really have a favourite, but I’m definitely happier with my recent productions. I also love working with other artists and always excited to know what it will be like.

SXDNS: And what about being a label boss: what are the good & bad sides about the job? And how Critical Monday started?

BS: What I really enjoy the most is the human side, being at the service of artists, being able to work with great producers, plus I can create my perfect playlist haha

From my point of view, there is no bad side, but like everything in life, it takes time, work, and energy to do things the best way possible.

It started in a really simple way, to release music that we felt wasn’t released on other labels. And what makes me proud is that I feel that I’ve managed to create a recognizable artistic direction over the years, which I think is the most important thing as a label manager.

Check the label catalogue HERE.

SXDNS: How is to be a female artist in your country? Any particular obstacle that you had to overcome – for the simple fact of being a woman – to achieve the recognition you have today? And internationally speaking, how do you see the nightlife industry attitude towards women? Do you feel the sexism and misogyny in the air?

BS: Thank you for asking this question. I didn’t feel any particular difference between the countries I played in. In a more general way, what I can say is that I wasn’t really a feminist at first, but I became one by working in this industry.

It’s really tiring to feel that in 2023 some people still think that the women who are there are there because they slept with someone or because it’s the trend now to have women in the line-ups! What does that mean? That if I’m playing it’s because I’m a woman and not because I’m talented, or because I work harder than most people?

I’m very happy that women are finally more present in the line-ups and let’s be honest, there have always been women, and there will always be women, so it would be better for everyone to deal with it. End of the story 🙂